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WAPI Governing Council
Tony Smith
Chairman
Complaints & Discipline
E-Group Moderator
Entering the profession as a trainee Investigator in 1977 Tony eventually opened his own office working from Liverpool City Centre in October 1981 and from a second office in Douglas IOM later on.
Tony was a founder Member of the Merseyside Association of Investigators and Process Servers in 1986 (now the British Association of Investigators and Process Servers) and remained Secretary/Treasurer of that Association until 2000 becoming an Honorary Life member in 2007.
Joining WAPI in 2002 and becoming a Fellow of the Association in 2003. Tony was appointed to the Governing Council in 2004.
Tony moderates the WAPI eGroup, the second-largest industry eGroup in the world.
A British Mensa “1%er”, Tony is also a member of Intertel and The Horserace Writers Association and served some time with 4 Para TA based at Liverpool’s Grace Road Barracks in his ‘younger years’.
Tony has worked nationally and internationally for a wide variety of high profile and commercial clients and was a Consultant Script Advisor for a BBC Drama series ‘Nice Guy Eddie’ starring Ricky Tomlinson as a Private Investigator.
Tony has served as WAPI Disciplinary Secretary since 2005 and Chairman 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2024.
Paul Champion
Vice Chairman
Paul retired from the Police service in 2000. During his career, most of his service was spent as a Detective (25 years), involved in the investigation of all categories of crime.
In 1985 he became an investigator with the UK Regional Crime Squad; latterly known as the National Crime Squad and now part of the UK National Crime Agency. He was trained in various aspects of national and international crime investigation. As a financial investigator he became a recognised expert in the field as well as a training mentor for other Financial investigators.
He operated both nationally and internationally in European Countries and the United States carrying out long-term in-depth investigations into international money laundering, drug trafficking and other related serious offences, liaising with the law enforcement agencies, courts and legal professionals of those countries. He was commended on numerous occasions both by senior Police Officers and High Court and Crown Court Judges; also, by the FBI and the office of U.S. Attorney for South Florida, USA.
The last five years of his service he spent as an Intelligence Officer with the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS), which is now also part of the UK National Crime Agency. There he set up the Financial Investigation/Intelligence unit for the South West regional office of NCIS. He operated both nationally and internationally, he was positively vetted and also had the responsibility as a liaison officer with the UK Security Services.
Since retirement from the police service Paul has worked in the private sector, having previously run a company which was accredited with the ISO 9001 and BS 10200. He is also a qualified trainer and lead auditor; he was instrumental in setting up the ABI academy and served as both president and GC member of that organisation. He is a strong advocate of Government Licensing for Private Sector Investigators.
Since retirement in June 2018, he has operated as an Investigations Consultant on a part time basis as CIC Investigation Consultants.
Beverley Flynn
Treasurer
Website
Beverley has been directly involved in the Investigation Industry for 35 years, predominantly on the Sales, Marketing & Administrative side of the business.
Beverley’s career commenced in Business Management and she joined the Investigation Industry with her late Husband Patrick.
Beverley attained a BA Honours degree in Business Management in the early 1990’s, shortly afterwards forming Insight Investigations with its Head Office based in Birmingham.
Beverley became the Membership Secretary of WAPI in October 2003 and held the post of Lady Vice-Chairman of the Association from October 2004 to October 2006 and October 2007 until October 2008.
Beverley became Treasurer of the Association in October 2007.
Beverley was Lady Chairman of the Association for the term 2011/2012.
Ian Withers
Press & Media
European Legislation & Licensing
Ian is a retired International Private Investigator & Security Consultant since 1960, based between Belfast, and the USA.
Ian is a founding member and past Chairman of the World Association of Professional Investigators, having held the office of Chairman for 5 consecutive years.
Ian has represented WAPI on the (UK) Investigator Sector Group (UK-ISG) and represented both the UK and Irish PI sectors in negotiations with governments on the regulation of the private investigation sector.
Ian holds a City & Guilds NVQ Level 4 in Investigations, and the National Qualification Certificate (B-Tech IQ) Level 3 award in Professional Investigations.
Ian held a license for over 10 years as a PI in Maryland, USA where he is a current member of the ‘National Council of Investigation & Security Services’ (NCISS), a retired Member of the ‘National Association of Legal Investigators’ (NALI) and the ‘National Association of Professional Process Servers’ (NAPPS).
Ian was the Regional Director of Region VIII (International) Membership Section for the ‘National Association of Legal Investigators’ and was an assistant editor for international news with PI Magazine.
Ian’s memoirs were published in April 2021 “Private Eye – Secret Spy” and an updated version “Dangerous Escapades” in December 2023. These recount the many exceptional and interesting cases he has worked on during his 65 plus years as a prominent international investigator and intelligence provider.
An active member of the Conservative Party and a past Constituency Association Chairman and Treasurer of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party.
Dave Edwards
Training/Mentor
Dave, a career detective, retired from the police service in 2010 with 32 years service. Shortly after selection as a detective, he successfully completed the National Undercover Training Course with the Metropolitan Police’s SO.10 Department at New Scotland Yard. The majority of his service was then deploying as a full-time Undercover Officer (UCO) and planning and deploying on covert operations both domestically and internationally.
From 1991 until 2006 he served with No. 9 Regional Crime Squad, South East Regional Crime Squad and the National Crime Squad (NCS) as a Detective Constable, Detective Sergeant, Detective Inspector and A/Detective Chief Inspector. He investigated the top echelons of serious and organised crime both in the UK and abroad. He conducted surveillance at the highest levels and led operational and surveillance teams on numerous protracted and successful investigations. In 1998 he was selected to serve with the newly formed Anti-Corruption Squad (CIB3), where he was primarily tasked with Integrity Testing; planning and leading intelligence led surveillance and covert investigations/operations into serious and organised corrupt police officers and other government employees.
In 2006, he transferred to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA – the forerunner of the National Crime Agency – NCA) and was then selected as the operational SOCA Liaison Officer for the U.S. (with accompanying diplomatic status as the Vice Consul at the British Consulate General). He was embedded within a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) team and was responsible for drug trafficking and serious and organised crime matters that impacted upon the UK and Europe from the U.S., Central and South America and the Caribbean Overseas Territories. He successfully investigated many major cases and initiated high profile extraditions and prosecutions with U.S. federal law enforcement and other overseas law enforcement agencies.
On his return to the UK in September 2009 he worked within SOCA’s International Inspection & Compliance Branch where he was responsible for the inspections of SOCA’s overseas posts. He inspected the entire West African network and completed comprehensive reports with regards to due diligence, operational capacity and recommendations for improvements in all posts.
Since retiring from law enforcement he has worked as an independent security consultant and investigator, operating as a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), predominately dealing with serious criminal cases, concentrating on fraud, counterfeiting, due diligence and bribery and corruption cases. Recent successful examples include murder, blackmail, demanding money with menaces, counterfeiting and international fraud.
Gennine Hanlon
Electronic Media
Gennine is an Associate Director at Priority International, a leading global investigations firm based in Holywood, Northern Ireland. She brings over a decade of experience in professional investigations, research, intelligence gathering, and complex case analysis. Since joining Priority International in 2013, she has played a pivotal role in delivering credible, ethically sourced intelligence and actionable insights to clients across the UK and internationally.
As Associate Director, Gennine oversees both the operational delivery of Priority International’s investigative services and the firm’s business operations, ensuring the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and client care across all areas of the organisation. Her leadership supports organisations and individuals in mitigating risk, making informed decisions, and navigating sensitive issues with confidence and clarity.
Her expertise is underpinned by extensive qualifications and continuous professional development. She holds the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (2015) and the Evolve Management & Leadership Certificate (2023), BTECH level 3 in Business Administration alongside specialist training in GDPR compliance and customer service excellence. Additional credentials include computerised accounting, advanced IT proficiency, and a range of certifications designed to support operational and regulatory best practices.
A strong advocate for advancing the profession, she has been a member of the World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI) since 2015 and an Associate Member of the Council of International Investigators (CII) since 2022, actively engaging with these international bodies to promote ethical standards and ongoing education within the industry. She also serves as a panellist for the Foster and Adoption Society, applying both personal and professional insight to support safe and informed decision-making for children and families.
Her dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards, mentoring emerging professionals, and strengthening the credibility of the investigative industry reflects her ongoing commitment to Priority International’s values and to the wider investigative community.
Natalie McCullins
Marketing / Woman’s Collective
Natalie is the daughter of one of WAPI’s founders, the late Stuart Withers, and has maintained a long-standing connection with the Association and its ethical values throughout her investigative career.
Following a successful career in private banking, Natalie transitioned into the investigative sector, working alongside her late father within the Academy of Professional Investigation (API). In this role, she was responsible for student management and support, the BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Professional Investigation course delivery, and the ongoing maintenance and updating of the training programme. She also assisted with the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators, supporting students, invigilating examinations, and ensuring the quality and integrity of course delivery. Natalie also gained extensive field experience with Nationwide Investigations, undertaking surveillance, process serving, and background checks.
After taking a career break to raise her children and relocate to Northern Ireland, Natalie established Intercity Investigations, an agency providing specialist services to the legal profession. With over 15 years of experience, she is recognised for her reliability, professionalism, and strong commitment to compliance with industry standards.
Natalie holds an Edexcel BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Professional Investigation, an IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators, a GNVQ in Business Management, and an AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. She also achieved a Team Award for Commitment to Excellence from NatWestPI Private Banking for her work on bulk settlements and specialist reconciliation controls, and has completed specialist training in GDPR compliance.
A dedicated professional and advocate for continuous development, Natalie is a member of both the World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI) and the Association of British Investigators (ABI). As a WAPI Governing Council Member, she is committed to promoting ethical practice, supporting investigator training, and strengthening the reputation of the private investigation profession.
Justin McGibbon
Welfare officer
Chris Miller
General Secretary / Membership
Chris is a semi-retired Senior Administrator in a School Governance Support role. Chris was responsible for the co-ordination and maintenance of training bookings/schedules, maintaining and managing the Governing Body database with the responsibility of preparing and circulating papers for meetings, appointment/re-appointment letters to School Governors in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Birmingham and Staffordshire.
Chris attained a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration.
Chris joined WAPI in a supportive role to the General Secretary in May 2024.
The WAPI Governing Council give their time, expertise and knowledge to the association free of any fees.
The WAPI Governing Council do not claim expenses for attending meeting, seminars or appearances on behalf of the association, except where travel or overnight accommodation is required.